Year One in Review
Laura Skandera Trombley made history when she began her tenure as the 16th president of Southwestern University in July 2020, becoming the college’s first female leader. The historic year that followed brought profound challenges to us all, but Southwestern thrived under President Trombley’s direction. Now, Dr. Trombley’s inauguration as our new president, postponed numerous times in the unpredictability of the past months, is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments of her first year.
The University implemented a detailed reopening plan that allowed students to return to campus safely in the fall. Seventy percent of classes were held in person, and the COVID-19 positivity rate remained extremely low throughout the year because of stringent health protocols. While many universities across the nation were struggling with student retention and budget shortfalls, Southwestern set an enrollment record for the spring semester and ended the year with a substantial surplus.
Fundraising efforts reached new highs, ensuring the University remained in a strong financial position. Alumni participation in institutional giving was up more than 10% over the previous year, and total gifts to the University were up over 12%. Southwestern Giving Day 2021 set a record high for both the number of donors (1,231) and dollars raised ($325,332) in a 24-hour period. Donors also generously gave to the SU Emergency Fund, which provides direct assistance to students needing emergency help for unexpected expenses such as food, housing, medical care, technology, and travel; fully funded a new advising and retention program; and provided financial support for nearly 200 high-impact experiences, including internship, student–faculty collaborative research, community-engaged learning, work–study, and study-abroad opportunities.
Southwestern strengthened its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout Trombley’s first year as president. The University was an inaugural member of the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA), a consortium of almost 70 institutions that aims to help its members develop and achieve equity goals. The Office of Diversity Education offered programming on social justice, difficult dialogues, and peacebuilding to help students navigate today’s issues and challenges, including racism. At its spring meeting, the Board of Trustees revised the University’s investment statement to include an expectation that vendors will share a commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In the fall of 2021, more than 25% of students will identify as Hispanic/Latinx for the second year in a row, allowing Southwestern to begin preparations to apply for Hispanic-Serving Institution status, and the Black or African-American population will reach a record 9.9%.
The Southwestern community celebrated old traditions in new ways. Trombley worked closely with the presidents of the universities in Southwestern’s two athletic conferences, the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and the American Southwest Conference, to ensure the safety of student-athletes and the continuation of Pirate Athletics. The University hosted its first virtual homecoming, with 859 alumni and community members representing 20 states and eight countries engaging in at least one of the 50 programs held over the weeklong event. In May, Southwestern held not one but two commencements: one for the class of 2020 and one for the class of 2021.
In addition to ensuring Southwestern survived the present, Trombley led efforts to actively plan for the University’s future. To that end, she established a 20-person Tactical Planning Task Force, which included representatives from all constituency groups. The task force reviewed 237 proposed initiatives for a new Five-Year Tactical Plan, ultimately narrowing them down to an implementable 36. The Board of Trustees unanimously and enthusiastically approved the plan, which focuses on five priority initiatives: diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity; retention; program development; physical and technological infrastructure; and competitive compensation.
Despite the myriad challenges and dire prognostications, the University ended the year stronger than ever under Trombley’s leadership. The Southwestern community came together, found innovative solutions to previously unimaginable circumstances, and demonstrated resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. As she begins her second year as president, Trombley is committed to ensuring Southwestern University continues to excel and provide a world-class educational experience.
Event Guide Presidential Inauguration
The Inauguration of Laura Skandera Trombley as the 16th President of Southwestern University


A recent decision of the Court of Appeal, Law Ting Pong, has confirmed that the test set out in Cavendish Square applies in Hong Kong.
This provides welcome certainty and brings Hong Kong in line with the position under English law. The Cavendish Square test is generally considered to be more commercial and practical than the Dunlop test that previously applied, which may benefit parties to complex commercial contracts in financing or M&A transactions.


was founded by environmental entrepreneurs driven to solve one of our planet's greatest challenges: preserving the reefs we love. Our team of business, policy, and science leaders all share a deep passion for protecting coastal ecosystems and communities.
Coral Vita creates high-tech coral farms that incorporate breakthrough methods to restore reefs in the most effective way possible. Our scientific team has partnered with leading marine institutes, utilizing techniques to grow coral up to 50x faster while boosting their resiliency against the warming and acidifying oceans that threaten their survival. We then outplant these corals back into degraded reefs, bringing them back to life.
Coral Vita’s land-based farms not only supply corals for restoration projects, but also function as education centers for local communities as well as eco-tourism attractions. They can also scale to make a significant ecological difference, with a single farm able to grow millions of resilient corals for distribution around a region.
Photo credits by: ©Coral Vita http://www.coralvita.co


In a recent brief, GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, shared insight on the potential and impact of the metaverse for digital transformation leaders. As we begin to explore the metaverse — a virtual world where users share experiences and interact in real-time within simulated scenarios, the data and analytics company observes how it may reshape how companies and customers engage with products and services. However, concerns exist as new technologies necessitate hi-tech strategies and ways to establish confidence, says GlobalData.
Kiran Raj, the company’s Principal Disruptive Tech Analyst, comments: “Digital behemoths like Meta and startups are tapping into the metaverse with technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), digital twins, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI). At the same time, IT services vendors like Accenture and Infosys are developing tools to help enterprises enter the metaverse.”
Abhishek Paul Choudhury, Disruptive Tech Analyst at GlobalData comments: “As the metaverse is maturing quickly, this is a crucial time for digital transformation leaders to act. It can be adopted for several use cases to make business operations more personalized, improve customer engagement and increase revenues.”
GlobalData’s Innovation Explorer database highlights tech-driven innovations that are shaping the metaverse to become a reality.
Customer Experience
The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) unveiled MetaHealth, the world’s first metaverse customer satisfaction service center to address customer requirements in a 3D space. The VR-powered service displays customers’ real faces instead of avatars and allows them to communicate with a real employee, who can handle associated questions, services, and duties.
Engineering And Design
Boeing collaborated with Microsoft to leverage the metaverse to strengthen its engineering and prevent manufacturing flaws in the design and development of aircraft. It aims to unite the design, production, and operations of airline services under a single, digital manufacturing system. Boeing will equip its mechanics with Microsoft HoloLens smart wearables for better visualization of aircraft designs and parts.
Event Management
US-based live event sports company B2Digital partnered with Colombia-based digital content creator Metaskins Studios to distribute its multiple B2 Fighting Series (B2FS) in browser-based platform Decentraland. Capitalizing on Metaskins’ capability to develop web 3.0 content, B2Digital aims to make B2FS one of the first combat sports brands to offer live virtual events in the metaverse.
Sales And Marketing
Gucci sold a limited-edition Dionysus bag for 350,000 Robux, online game platform Roblox’s virtual currency ($4,115). The bag was offered as part of the ‘Gucci Garden Experience,’ a partnership between Roblox and Gucci. The event was organized in the Roblox platform to catch the attention of the targeted Gen-Z demographic.
Training And Development
US-based Talespin created a spatial technology platform for workplace training to improve talent development and skill mobility. It uses immersive technologies such as AR and VR to transform training environments and assist individuals in learning new skills and measuring skill capabilities. The startup’s end-users include learning content creators, learning platforms, AR & VR hardware partners, and enterprises.
Workforce Collaboration
Meta has launched the Horizon Workrooms app to offer employees virtual office space for team collaboration. The virtual meetings are accessible via laptop through video call or by using Quest 2 headsets. It gives a personalized feeling as the user can interact with employee avatars and perform office activities such as taking down notes, file sharing, and chatting in a virtual space, intended for effective team collaboration.
Global Data’s Paul concludes: “As the metaverse continues to evolve, several enterprise use cases will emerge. Digital transformation leaders, who can assess the impact of the metaverse beyond gaming trends, will be able to tap into the opportunities generated by this virtual world. However, challenges such as potential cybercrimes, safety, and data privacy concerns, slow development of underlying technologies remain in the metaverse particularly due to lack of standardization.”
This information is based on GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Center. The company’s Disruptor Database decodes emerging tech-enabled opportunities with information on promising start-ups, technology-led innovations, latest sector trends, consumer insights, and venture capital portfolio investments.
Source: https://facilityexecutive.com/2022/03/tech-driven-innovations-shaping-the-metaverse-into-reality/


I am passionate about working with women around challenges related to women’s reproductive health. From a young age, you might have thought about what it would be like to be a mom. When the experience of starting a family is different than you planned, I am here to help you process what that means. Together we can work through the feelings connected to loss, surprises, and challenges. Counseling can be a safe space for you to share, process, and heal. There is a spectrum of challenges women face with their reproductive health; including: difficulty becoming pregnant, unexpected pregnancy loss, planned abortion, challenging pregnancy, and post-partum depression. If you relate to any of these concerns; know you are not alone. In the US, 1 in 5 women struggle to become pregnant within the first year of trying (1), 10-15 pregnancies out of 100 ends in miscarriage (2), and 1 in 7 women develop postpartum depression (3). While your story is unique, your struggle is not uncommon, and I am here to support you with your individual needs.
I also love working with teens. Adolescence can be an incredibly challenging life-transitioning period. Whether you are experiencing pressures of emerging adulthood, self-image/identity issues, or wanting to improve the relationship with your parents; I will work with you to make tangible progress towards your goals. Together we will work as a team to slow down the upsetting thoughts and find clarity by talking-it-out. I enjoy bringing personal interests: like music, technology, and art into our therapeutic work together.
I honor the importance of culture in therapeutic work to inform what treatment goals work best for you. Additionally, I will work with you to explore concerns through the lens of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to develop strategies that support your growth. I am passionate in the areas of self-compassion, breath work, mindfulness, and including creative outlets as therapeutic interventions for our work together. If this is your first-time trying therapy, I will work with you to feel empowered and welcome you as you navigate this experience!
I am a licensed LPCC in Colorado and graduated from the University of Denver with a master’s in counseling psychology. I offer both in-person and telehealth therapy. I have practicum and internship experience working at a private practice in Denver with adults, specifically experiencing eating-related concerns and occupational distress. I am an ally to LGBTQIA+ communities. It can feel challenging to reach out for help and I commend you for taking the first step in allowing space for change.
Licenses
On RAFT's tiered private pay rate table, Ellie is a Level 1 therapist. She works under the supervision of Dannette Escobedo, LPC. Insurances Ellie can accept as in-network, include:
Sources


PCE Concentrations Greatly Reduced within 30 Days
The site is a former dry-cleaning supply distribution business that operated from 1957 to 2000. The former facility provided laundry chemicals, including detergents and spotting chemicals, packaging products such as hangers and polyethylene bags, and bulk deliveries of tetrachloroethene (PCE). Remediation at the site was completed in two primary phases. The first phase was a targeted excavation and soil mixing event focused on addressing the highly impacted shallow soils and smear zone. The second phase was focused on treating the groundwater PCE plume onsite and preventing further plume migration offsite.
Case study highlights: High PCE concentrations were detected in soil and groundwater during a site investigation A pragmatic, phased approach was used to target PCE in soil and groundwater The multi-component treatment was immediately effective and has maintained 98% PCE reduction in onsite groundwater


Abstract:
Museums are interested in designing emotional visitor experiences to complement traditional interpretations. HCI is interested in the relationship between Affective Computing and Affective Interaction. We describe Sensitive Pictures, an emotional visitor experience co-created with the Munch art museum. Visitors choose emotions, locate associated paintings in the museum, experience an emotional story while viewing them, and self-report their response. A subsequent interview with a portrayal of the artist employs computer vision to estimate emotional responses from facial expressions. Visitors are given a souvenir postcard visualizing their emotional data. A study of 132 members of the public (39 interviewed) illuminates key themes: designing emotional provocations; capturing emotional responses; engaging visitors with their data; a tendency for them to align their views with the system’s interpretation; and integrating these elements into emotional trajectories. We consider how Affective Computing can hold up a mirror to our emotions during Affective Interaction.


Importance
The optimal approach to airway management during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is unknown.
Objective
To determine whether a supraglottic airway device (SGA) is superior to tracheal intubation (TI) as the initial advanced airway management strategy in adults with nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Design, Setting, and Participants
Multicenter, cluster randomized clinical trial of paramedics from 4 ambulance services in England responding to emergencies for approximately 21 million people. Patients aged 18 years or older who had a nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and were treated by a participating paramedic were enrolled automatically under a waiver of consent between June 2015 and August 2017; follow-up ended in February 2018.


Have you recently seen autumn aggregations of ladybirds prior to overwintering? This is an ideal time for us to collect and prepare wintering experiments (this year we were satisfied with about five thousand individuals collected in Ohaře). In the last four years, we are trying to reveal the secrets behind the overwintering success of
Harmonia axyridis, a well-known invasive species. We are interested in several factors related to the ladybird mortality during hibernation such as humidity and temperature experienced in overwintering microhabitats, the size of aggregations, and the presence of a fungal infection.
Thanks to all our friends and students for accommodating the ladybirds around their homes!


Neuromas of the foot are a painful thickening and inflammation of the tissue that surrounds nerves leading to the toes. Also known as Morton's neuroma or intermetatarsal neuroma, the condition usually occurs between the third and fourth toes, though neuromas can also form between toes two and three.
Are you feeling pain on the bottom of your foot, between your toes—or like there's a pebble in your shoe—while walking? A neuroma may be to blame.
Getting prompt treatment for a neuroma is essential. Left untreated, neuromas can worsen over time, resulting in reduced mobility and permanent nerve damage. Don't risk it. A skilled podiatrist can help you resolve a neuroma, so you can get back on your feet. Here's what you should know about this common foot condition, including the wide-ranging treatment options available at Grandville Foot and Ankle.
Neuroma Causes and Risk Factors
Neuromas form when the tissue around nerves to the toes swell. In turn, this causes nearby ligaments and bones to apply excessive pressure to the affected nerve(s), leading to even more irritation and inflammation.
Though the exact cause of neuromas isn't known, the following factors are associated with the development of this painful condition.
Shoe choice.Wearing shoes that fit poorly, or put excessive pressure on the balls of the feet and compress the toes—or restrict their movement—creates ideal conditions for neuromas to form. Foot shape.Biomechanical features like flat feet, high arches, or inherited deformities can cause instability of the toe joints, which increases the risk of developing neuromas. Certain medical conditions.Obesity, as well as foot conditions such as hammertoes or bunions, can make you more likely to suffer from neuromas. High-impact sports and activities.Running, tennis, racquetball, and other sports that place a lot of pressure on the balls of the feet can raise your risk for neuromas. Additionally, snow skiers and rock climbers also face an increased risk, due to the use of tight shoes that compress the toes. Trauma.A traumatic injury to the toes or forefoot—such as dropping a heavy object on them—can irritate the nerves that go to the toes, resulting in the inflammation and swelling that allows neuromas to develop. Occupational stress.Jobs that require workers to spend long hours on their feet can lead to the kind of repetitive foot stress that aggravates nerves, raising the risk for neuromas. Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Neuromas can cause a number of uncomfortable and abnormal sensations, such as:
Numbness in the ball of the foot Tingling between the toes that gets progressively worse Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the ball of the foot or at the base of the toes Swelling and inflammation between the toes Feeling like there's a pebble in your shoe, or you're standing on a bunched-up or folded part of your sock
Typically, neuroma symptoms ease up at night and can worsen while walking, or after wearing restrictive shoes or spending a lot of time on your feet.
Since there are no visible signs associated with neuromas, correctly diagnosing this condition requires a thorough examination by an experienced podiatrist. In addition to the physical exam, the doctor may also use diagnostic tools like X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and range of motion tests to confirm a neuroma diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Because neuromas worsen over time, the sooner you see a podiatrist, the more treatment options are available. If you catch a neuroma in its earliest stages, treatment may be as simple as choosing better-fitting shoes, using store-bought shoe inserts, icing and resting the affected foot, and taking over-the-counter meds for pain management.
However, as the condition progresses, you may require professional interventions like custom inserts and orthotics, corrective shoes, or cortisone injections. When home remedies and conservative medical treatments fail to sufficiently relieve pain, surgery may be necessary to address your foot and heel pain.


Consumer spending on health care has continuously increased from year-to-year. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, American households spent an average of $4,968 on health care in 2018—including spending on health insurance, medical services, prescription drugs and medical devices—representing a 93% increase from 2004.
At the beginning of 2020, states considered a wide range of policy options to address this issue. Though many efforts were put on hold due to the pandemic response, federal and state lawmakers still managed to enact several policies to address health care costs to consumers. And, as the pandemic slowly wanes and concerns over health care costs remain, actions to protect consumers from high health care costs are advancing in the 2021 legislative sessions.
State Policy Options
State legislators may consider the following options, among several others, related to lowering health care costs to consumers:
Lower health insurance premiums and cost-sharing to consumers. Pursue federal approval for a Section 1332 waiver. Leverage state funds to establish premium subsidies or cost-sharing assistance. Limit out-of-pocket costs for certain services or treatments. Consider the benefits and limitations of alternative health insurance plans. Improve transparency in health care prices and patient costs. Establish or expand the capabilities of an all-payer claims database. Create a Right to Shop program for state employees or the privately insured. Require cost estimates for patients and transparency in facility fees.
Policy Options State Examples Lower health insurance costs and cost-sharing: Health insurance affordability remains a major issue—including for individuals who purchase their own insurance on the federally facilitated marketplace or state-run exchanges. For example, the monthly premium for an average benchmark plan (before subsidies) increased from $273 in 2014 to $452 in 2021. Given these trends, state lawmakers have pursued several actions to address high premiums and limit patient cost-sharing for the privately insured, particularly for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans. Pursue federal approval for a Section 1332 waiver to test different cost-containment strategies for individual or small group health plans. Section 1332 waivers allow states to waive certain Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions to test innovative coverage strategies in their health insurance marketplaces, while retaining the ACA’s basic protections.
Currently, 16 states have received federal approval for a Section 1332 waiver—and several others have enacted legislation requesting state officials to seek a waiver. Most states use waivers to establish and receive federal funding for a state-run reinsurance program, which helps offset high-cost medical claims for insurers and, in turn, lowers premiums for individuals enrolled in an unsubsidized health plan. Some states are looking to use these waivers for other purposes, especially in light of new, temporary federal subsidies shrinking the pool of individuals who benefit from reinsurance programs. These purposes include creating and funding a public option or changing how a state operates its marketplace.
Leverage state funds to establish premium subsidies or cost-sharing assistance for individuals who purchase their insurance off state or federal exchanges. Colorado, New Jersey and New Mexico established a state-level assessment fee on health insurers, which was previously required through the ACA but permanently repealed effective January 2021. The states plan to use the additional revenue to lower individual health insurance costs in multiple ways, including financing state-level premium subsidies for those who do not qualify for federal subsidies, establishing cost-sharing assistance or funding state reinsurance programs. Limit out-of-pocket costs for certain services or treatments, such as copayment caps for prescribed insulin. These state actions may not affect those enrolled in self-funded employer sponsored health plans, which cover over 65% of individuals who receive insurance through their employer.
At least 14 states implemented some type of monthly copayment cap for insulin. For example, Alabama capped monthly copayments for a 30-day supply of insulin at $100 for those enrolled in state-regulated health plans. Kentucky capped copayments to $30 for a 30-day supply. New Mexico waived all cost-sharing obligations through January 2027 for behavioral health services, such as substance use disorder treatment.
Consider the benefits and limitations of alternative health insurance plans, including short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI), association health plans, health care sharing ministries and other similar plans. While these coverage options typically have lower monthly premiums, they often do not have to comply with certain state insurance laws and consumer protection provisions established by the ACA. Additionally, research indicates increasing the availability of these plans results in higher premiums for marketplace plans.
Although federal rules allow individuals to enroll in an STLDI for up to 364 days and renew coverage for three years, 24 states and D.C. set stricter limits than the federal government for enrolling in STLDIs or prohibit these plans altogether.
Other states are expanding access to STLDIs. Idaho allows for “enhanced” short-term plans, which permit enrollees to renew coverage for up to three years and establishes certain protections against medical underwriting for individuals with preexisting conditions. Five states allow for farm bureau plans, which operate similarly to association health plans and authorize agricultural membership organizations to offer health benefit plans to their members. These states do not consider farm bureau plans to be insurance, effectively exempting them from federal and state health insurance laws and oversight.
Improve transparency in health care prices and patient costs: Research has shown lack of price transparency—for consumers, employers and policymakers—has long contributed to higher and varying prices for certain health care services. For example, a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis found a knee or hip replacement surgery varied from an average price of $23,170 in Baltimore to $58,193 in New York City. While policymakers are using price transparency to spotlight this level of variation, they are also aiming to equip consumers with better price information to help them shop for high-quality non-emergency services at a lower cost. Establish or expand the capabilities of an all-payer claims database (APCD). APCDs collect health care claims data from several payers, including Medicare, Medicaid, state employee health plans and state-regulated health plans. States can use APCDS to better measure marketplace trends, identify price variation and provide price information directly to consumers.
Twenty-four states have an APCD or enacted legislation to establish one. Of these states, For example,
at least nine use APCDs for consumer-facing price comparison tools, allowing individuals to compare prices of shoppable services—such as a knee-replacement surgery. New Hampshire’s NH HealthCost compares price information for more than 200 medical and dental services and maintains provider quality metrics. Traffic to the resource has continuously grown—and some reports attributed lower out-of-pocket costs for certain services (e.g., CT scans) to the tool. However, recent research indicates increased use of NH HealthCost had a limited effect on patients choosing lower cost providers likely due to many factors, such as patients deferring to a provider’s referral. Create a Right to Shop program for state employees or the privately insured. Through Right to Shop programs, insurers share a portion of their savings with enrollees when they choose lower-cost, high-quality providers.
Maine required insurance carriers offering small group health plans paired with health savings accounts to establish Right to Shop programs for enrollees, in part to incentivize use of the state’s price comparison tool. Utah established a Right to Shop program for its state employee health plan and authorized private insurers to voluntarily implement a similar program.
Require cost-estimates to patients and transparency in facility fees.
Georgia will require insurers to make available on their websites out-of-pocket cost estimates, quality metrics and reimbursement rates to providers by July 2021.
Maryland requires hospitals to provide written notice to patients of outpatient facility fees prior to rendering services—and requires facilities to provide information on facilities that do not charge a fee. South Dakota will require health insurers to provide cost-sharing estimates upon an enrollee’s request and establish a “self-service tool” for consumers to determine their cost-sharing liability for a covered service by January 2024.
Federal Action
Congress and federal agencies have recently implemented several policy actions focused on reducing health insurance premiums and enhancing consumer access to health care price information.
Health Insurance Affordability
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, the latest COVID-19 relief bill enacted in March 2021, temporarily expands for two years advance premium tax credits (APTCs) for individuals who purchase ACA health plans. These APTCs were made available starting April 1.
The law increases APTCs for all income brackets, with consumers earning between 100% to 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL) now eligible for $0 premium plans. For those who earn above 400% FPL, who previously did not qualify for APTCs, the ARP caps what these individuals pay for premiums at 8.5% of their household income.
Those who received unemployment benefits at any point in 2021 are eligible for 100% subsidized coverage through the marketplace. Additionally, individuals who are unemployed but want to maintain their previous employer coverage are eligible for fully subsidized coverage through COBRA continuation coverage. Both of these provisions are in place through Sept. 30, 2021.
Price Transparency
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule requiring hospitals to release price information for 300 shoppable health services in a consumer-friendly format, as well as release a list of standard charges for all services in a machine-readable format. Although hospital price transparency rules went into effect January 2021, several reports have found a high number of hospitals not in compliance.
In addition to hospital transparency, HHS released a final rule in 2020 requiring most private health insurers to provide cost-sharing estimates upon a patient’s request and publish negotiated payment rates with in-network providers. Health insurers must release negotiated rates by January 2022 and comply with cost-sharing estimate requirements by January 2024.
Finally, federal legislation enacted in December 2020 created a grant program, where states can receive $2.5 million to start or improve a state-based APCD.
Additional Resources


An Overview of ALPHAMUNE™ G for Poultry By Alpharma Animal Health - ALPHAMUNE™ G is a reliable and innovative feed supplement replacing anti-microbial growth promoters in modern production of growing animals like poultry.
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β-GLUCANS
β-glucans present in ALPHAMUNE™ G are polysaccharides with side-chain (1-3,1-6) connections resulting in a complex structure, which can not be broken by glucanase enzymes. They will be fermented by ruminating animals.
(1-3,1-6) β-glucans have been reported to have immune enhancing effects in animals, and are known to bind to macrophages, which are activated and secrete signal molecules (cytokinines). These signalling molecules activate the macrophages and lymphocytes(1).
When in contact with an infection, activated
macrophages are stimulated to fagocytosis by attacking the invading pathogen and continue the secretion of more and other signalling molecules. These further timulate and enhance the tissue macrophages for an a-specific immunity boost and activitate T- and B-lymphocytes for a specific mmunity boost(2).
Ref (1)(2) data on file
MANNANS
Mannans present in ALPHAMUNE™ G, are polysaccaharide-protein complexes, originated from the upper layer of Saccharomyces cerevisae cells.
Mannans are indigestible for non-ruminating animals but are known to be used by Lactobacillus spp. as an interesting substrate and source of energy. Such bacteria are avored and regulate better the intestinal flora.
Mannans are known to offer a competitive binding site for certain gram-negative bacteria. Pathogens with the mannose-specific Type-1 fimbriae adhere to the mannans instead of attaching to the intestinal epithelial cells and move through the intestine without olonization(3).
Mannans enhance the absorption and utilization of nutrients due to thinning of the intestinal wall(4).
Ref (3): Newmann 1994, (4) Visek: 1978


Regardless of whether your roof is new or old, you should ensure it is in good shape at all times. A new roof will cost you a significant sum of money depending on the materials you have chosen. After parting with a considerable sum of money for the roof installation, it is in your best interest to ensure the roof is well maintained. Below are tips on how to maintain a roof such that it will last longer:
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters can pose some major issues, including ruining the paint on the sides. The basement will most likely be wet at all times. If there are trees close to the house, their leaves might pile up in the gutter. Water will then contribute to the leaves rotting, and they will pose a major issue.
When you fix such an issue promptly, you’ll manage to save a significant sum of money. You avoid such by ensuring you have cleaned the gutters during spring and fall. You can DIY such tasks depending on whether you’re comfortable using a ladder. If not, you can hire a professional who will charge you depending on the size of your house. Besides cleaning the gutter, you should conduct roof repairs depending on the condition of the roof.
Get Rid of Moss
In a larger part of the nation, a huge part of the roof is made of black algae. Fortunately, the growth doesn’t hurt the roof. To get rid of it, you can mix chlorine bleach with water to get rid of it. You can still leave it. Depending on your state of residence, moss might grow on your roof, specifically on the composition shingles. The moss looks similar to algae, and it needs to be eliminated since it normally traps water. If you handle such issues early enough, you can get rid of it easily by sweeping it off.
If the moss buildup is significant, you need to get rid of it first. To get rid of it effectively, you should use products that have been manufactured using potassium salts derived from fatty acids. When getting rid of the mold, there is no need to use toxic substances such as zinc sulfate. If you’re using soap to get rid of the mold, you should ensure the water being used won’t get into the storm drains.
After ensuring the roof is clean and the moss has been eradicated completely, you should acquire zinc stripes to prevent mold formation. A professional roofer will assist with installing the zinc strips close to the top of the roof. When it rains, the strips will hinder the growth of the moss. The main advantage of such a solution is that it is environmentally friendly.
As a homeowner, you should get to understand the importance of getting rid of the moss and conducting roof repair. If the roof has incurred some damage, get in touch with a reputable contractor. They’ll issue a quote and handle the repairs accordingly.


Lipoprotein metabolism & CV risk: a long road from understanding to treatment
Prof. John Kastelein describes 3 major disturbances in lipoprotein metabolism contributing to CV risk. Novel therapies are being developed to address residual risk after LDL-c eradication.
Video navigation menu New insights into the LDL-c axis 00:42 Residual risk after eradication of LDL-c 02:12 Novel therapies to address remnant cholesterol 03:29 The Lp(a) axis 04:48 The long way from understanding of lipoprotein metabolism to treatment 06:08 Educational information
There are 3 major disturbances in lipoprotein metabolism that confer a CV risk. After LDL-c eradication, a residual risk remains that can be addressed by novel therapies that are currently being developed. This recording aims to summarize these developments and their practical implications.
Faculty
Prof. John J.P. Kastelein is Professor of Medicine atthe Department of Vascular Medicine at the Academic Medical Center (AMC) of the University of Amsterdam, where he holds the Strategic Chair of Genetics of Cardiovascular Disease
Disclosures
This recording was independently developed under auspices of PACE-cme. The views expressed in this recording are those of the individual presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of PACE-cme. PACE-cme did not receive financial support for the production of this recording.


Abstract
Study Objectives: Current evidence suggests that the pathological mechanisms underlying obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are altered with age. However, previous studies examining individual physiological traits known to contribute to OSA pathogenesis have been assessed in isolation, primarily in healthy individuals. Design: We assessed the four physiological traits responsible for OSA in a group of young and old patients with OSA. Setting: Sleep research laboratory. Participants: Ten young (20-40 y) and old (60 y and older) patients with OSA matched by body mass index and sex. Measurements and Results: Pharyngeal anatomy/collapsibility, loop gain (LG), upper airway muscle responsiveness/gain (UAG) and the respiratory arousal threshold were determined using multiple 2-to 3-min decreases or drops in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Passive pharyngeal anatomy/collapsibility was quantified as the ventilation at CPAP = 0 cmH2O immediately after the CPAP drop. LG was defined as the ratio of the ventilatory overshoot to the preceding reduction in ventilation. UAG was taken as the ratio of the increase in ventilation to the increase in ventilatory drive across the pressure drop. Arousal threshold was estimated as the ventilatory drive that caused arousal. Veupnea was quantified as the mean ventilation prior to the pressure drop. In comparison with younger patients with OSA, older patients had a more collapsible airway (ventilation at 0 cmH
2O = 3.4 ± 0.9 versus 1.5 ± 0.7 L/min; P = 0.05) but lower Veupnea (8.2 ± 0.5 versus 6.1 ± 0.4 L/min; P > 0.01) and a lower LG (5.0 ± 0.7 versus 2.9 ± 0.5; P > 0.05). The remaining traits were similar between groups. Conclusions: Our data suggest that airway anatomy/collapsibility plays a relatively greater pathogenic role in older adults, whereas a sensitive ventilatory control system is a more prominent trait in younger adults with obstructive sleep apnea. Keywords Aging Loop gain Lung Obstructive sleep apnea Sleep disordered breathing Upper airway collapsibility


A copy of this work was available on the public web and has been preserved in the Wayback Machine. The capture dates from 2020; you can also visit the original URL.The file type is
application/pdf.
[article] 2018 bioRxiv pre-print
AbstractA sense of agency can be defined as a subjective experience that I am the one who is causing or generating an action. Several brain regions have been proposed as neural substrates of the subjective experience; however, how the information is processed and organized by each region to achieve the sense of agency still remains unclear. In this study, we have clarified the neural representations corresponding to three processes namely, sensorimotor error, feeling of agency, and judgment ofdoi:10.1101/483420 fatcat:mew4mahd7vh5bksatk3vx23gmi


While most agencies attempt to cultivate reputations as fun, dynamic and innovative places to work, beneath the surface many are grappling with various cultural and personnel issues including employee burnout, overworked staffers, high turnover, harassment and more.
This report examines three key themes affecting agency culture and employment in 2019; employee happiness and burnout, workplace harassment and discrimination, and what influences employment decisions.
By downloading this guide, you are allowing Digiday to store and use your data to keep you up to date on top stories, events and other programs. As stated in our privacy policy, we won’t share your data unless you explicitly provide permission.


Handling complaints made by or about volunteers is a highly sensitive issue. Organisations need to balance the goodwill of their volunteer workforce with the need to provide efficient, inclusive, and valuable services to the community. It is advised that volunteer involving organisations have a clear complaints handling policy and procedure that accounts for the nuances of managing a volunteer workforce.
National Standard 6: Workplace Safety and Wellbeing stipulates that volunteers should have access to complaints and grievance procedures. To meet this National Standard volunteers must not only have access to appropriate procedures, but must have complaints dealt with consistently, transparently, and equitably.
Volunteering Australia, in collaboration with national peak bodies across Australia, has developed a complaint handling resource for the sector. The resource includes a model policy and procedure and can be accessed here.


Cyber Management Alliance announce that their popular GCHQ Certified Cyber Incident Planning & Response (CIPR) training course has been approved for 8 CPE credits by (ISC)2. Cyber-security professionals attending the course qualify for (ISC)2 CPE credits, submitted by Cyber Management Alliance, enabling them to maintain their (ISC)2 membership status and CPE accreditation.
The CIPR Course
The GCHQ Certified CIPR course led by Amar Singh, founder of Cyber Management Alliance and a renowned cyber-security consultant, is a non-technical training course on how to respond to cyber-attacks. The course, aimed at senior management and business executives who wish to gain a better understanding of incident response and dealing with potential cyber threats, has been designed to help attendees to prepare a defined and managed approach in responding to breaches or attacks.
CIPR training focuses on the basic concepts of a cyber-attack, incidents, threat intelligence and intelligence-led testing including the key parts of designing and implementing a response framework, building an effective cyber response team and the overall implications should the response be wrong. Amar Singh shares methods of preparation and response, the latest techniques and insights on incident response and response frameworks that have been adopted by leading institutions and governments worldwide.
Why CPE?
Gaining CPE credits is an important part of continuing professional development and is an ongoing process. Attending courses with a certified CPE Submitter ensures that not only are you maintaining and improving your knowledge and skills, as well as keeping up-to-date with changing trends and new technologies. CPE credits verify a commitment to enhancing careers and developing a deeper understanding of your profession.
Cyber Management Alliance’s NCSC-Certified Cyber Incident Planning & Response (CIPR) qualify for (ISC)2 CPE credits.


Diese Veranstaltung hat bereits stattgefunden. 16. UECT Ulm Electrochemical Talks 13. November 2018 - 14. November 2018
Driven by the globally fast growing e-mobility market, the production of Lithium Ion Cells will grow from 100 GWh today to at least 400 GWh within the next seven years. With this, topics like the availability of the needed raw materials, efficient recycling technologies, new active materials as well as advanced production methods become highly important. At the same time, fuel cell vehicles start to gain momentum in the electric vehicle market, offering some areas of advantages over battery electric vehicles, like high range, fast refueling and less impact on critical materials.
Therefore, the 2018 talks will focus on the topic of
Batteries and Fuel Cells – From Cradle to Cradle


Description:
Many of today's supervisors and managers must manage a workforce of teleworkers, contractors, remote team members and others they do not see on a daily basis. Contingency planning requires the ability to continue managing when employees can no longer use the office. Learn how to manage remote workers successfully without sacrificing performance or control. Discover the requirements of the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-292), and discuss the challenges of implementing those requirements. Recognize the similarities in managing on-site and virtual employees, and learn tips for managing virtual teams. Discover helpful resources, including links to online tools, for use back at the office. Leave the course one step closer to implementing a successful program to manage a virtual workforce.
The course can be customized to include aspects of your workforce polices, any applicable collective bargaining agreements, and agency specific scenarios.
Tuition:
$ 549.00
Credits:
0.6 CEU's
Class Type:
This course is currently being offered in the following training modalities:
Online On-site


AMF, the French Financial Markets Authority, adopted a legal framework to oversee initial coin offerings (ICOs) and digital asset service providers (DASPs) in France. The PACTE draft Bill (Action Plan for Business Growth and Transformation) was adopted in the French National Assembly on April 11, 2019. Once enacted, the law will establish a framework for fundraising via the issuance of virtual tokens (ICO) and DASPs.
The regime covers digital assets not classified as financial instruments, giving rise to one or more rights and that may be issued, registered, stored, or transferred using a distributed ledger technology (or a blockchain). The law will enable project initiators to submit their information document to AMF for an optional visa, which will be issued on the condition that they meet certain requirements. The visa remains optional and the raising of funds without AMF visa will continue to be legal in France. However, issuers who have not received the AMF visa will not be able to use general solicitation. AMF will publish the list of ICOs that have received its visa. DASPs may be licensed and placed under the supervision of AMF. The term “digital assets” comprises tokens issued during ICOs and virtual currencies as defined by European law (such as the bitcoin). Financial instruments are excluded from this regime. This new optional status will cover a wide range of activities, particularly:
Custody of digital assets for third parties Purchase or sale of digital assets against legal tender or other digital assets (broker/dealer) Operation of a digital assets trading platform (stock exchange) Other digital asset services such as the reception and transmission of third-party orders, third-party portfolio management, advice, underwriting, and placing on or without a firm commitment basis
Whether or not they choose to obtain the optional license, service providers that wish to provide digital assets custody services to third parties or to purchase/sell digital assets in exchange for legal tender are subject to mandatory registration with AMF. AMF may publish a “blacklist” of ICOs and digital assets services providers that do not comply with the regulations. It may also block access to fraudulent websites offering services in digital assets.
Related Link: Crypto-Assets Regime in France Keywords: Europe, EU, France, Banking, Securities, Regtech, Fintech, Crypto-Assets, Distributed Ledger Technology, Blockchain, AMF
The three European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) issued a letter to inform about delay in the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) mandate, along with a Call for Evidence on greenwashing practices.
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) published a joint report that outlines the initial findings from climate scenario analyses undertaken by financial authorities to assess climate-related financial risks.
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) published a letter intended for the G20 leaders, highlighting the work that it will undertake under the Indian G20 Presidency in 2023 to strengthen resilience of the financial system.
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) of the IFRS Foundations made several announcements at COP27 and with respect to its work on the sustainability standards.
The International Organization for Securities Commissions (IOSCO), at COP27, outlined the regulatory priorities for sustainability disclosures, mitigation of greenwashing, and promotion of integrity in carbon markets.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) issued a statement in the context of COP27, clarified the operationalization of intermediate EU parent undertakings (IPUs) of third-country groups
The European Union has finalized and published, in the Official Journal of the European Union, a set of 13 Delegated and Implementing Regulations applicable to the European crowdfunding service providers.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) published an annual report on its activities, a report on forward-looking work.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) finalized amendments to the capital framework, announced a review of the prudential framework for groups.
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hubs and several central banks are working together on various central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilots.


As National Preparedness Month came to a close last week, here’s a look back at the information we shared to help our staff, families, friends, clients and others become better prepared for disasters and encourage a culture of preparedness.
As devastating wildfires caused historic impacts to Western states, we shared details about FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program. Tidal Basin Chief Development Officer, Carlos Castillo, explained how the grants support active response to wildfires resulting in a major disaster. FEMA allocates the grants to state and tribal governments who then provide them to local communities that qualify.
Along the Southeast and Eastern Seaboard of the U.S., instead of fires causing havoc, floods impacted numerous states and local communities with record rainfall and a historic hurricane season. We shared the importance of obtaining flood insurance and participating in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program for those communities located in high risk flood zones. We also shared the story of the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, the strongest hurricane to impact the U.S. with winds estimated near 185 miles per hour at landfall in the upper Florida Keys.
The Midwest, Northeast, and Gulf Coast have been impacted by significant power outages this summer, and Tidal Basin’s Vice President of Preparedness, Resiliency, and Emergency Management, Stephanie Murphy, shared the importance of Mitigating for Mass Power Outages in our Disaster Recovery Roundtable Podcast. And we emphasized the importance of preparing for major tornadoes with a look back at two historic EF 5 tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma and Joplin, Missouri.
To support personal and family preparedness, Tidal Basin’s Chief Operations Officer, Mark Misczak, shared tips on evacuating in disasters while protecting and planning for a pandemic. We provided tips on how to build a disaster supply kit, how to protect your pets, saving for financial preparedness, the importance of insurance, creating a “go” kit, and other important considerations in planning for disasters in our Tidal Basin Personal and Family Preparedness Guide. And we shared the importance of including children in preparedness programs with our podcast on FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Programs.
Although, we encouraged you and your family to review your state of preparedness throughout September, building a “culture of preparedness” requires preparing year-round for the threat of disasters. You can learn more about mitigating, preparing, responding, and recovering from disasters on our website.


Preventing undocumented students from receiving federal financial aid not only hurts the students, it hurts American society. Annually, an estimated 65,000 undocumented students who obtain a high school diploma are eligible to pursue higher education. Unfortunately, many of these students do not pursue higher education. A potential explanation for this is that the cost of […]


To register for this program, email wda@defensenet.org with “Vials” as the subject line. 1.0 Law and Legal Credit has been requested from the WSBA for this CLE.
Often our clients are charged with DUI based on blood tests the Washington State Patrol Toxicology Lab (WSPTL) conducted using blood samples that have stored in expired vials. Information from the vial manufacturer, BD Diagnostics, indicates such tests are not reliable, and toxicologists from outside WSPTL have testified about the scientific reasons for unreliability. However, WSPTL often insists the tests are valid, and prosecutors seek to introduce the test results as evidence. Dustin Howie, an attorney with the Spokane City Public Defender who has also studied chemistry, has litigated the admissibility of expired vials in THC and alcohol DUI cases. He will discuss the relevant science and legal arguments against admissibility based on case law and state and federal regulations.


In June, NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission, the agency’s first mission designed to study a metal-rich asteroid, was delayed due to mission development problems. As a result, the agency had to reevaluate if the mission was capable of overcoming these challenges for a 2023 launch date or if the mission should be terminated.
On Friday, NASA announced that they have decided to move forward with the mission with a new projected 2023 launch period opening on Oct. 10, 2023 and estimated arrival at the asteroid in August 2029.
The spacecraft’s projected journey will be very similar to the original one planned for 2022, still using a Mars gravity assist in 2026 to send the spacecraft towards the asteroid, according to NASA. Spacecraft flight software continues to undergo testing in preparation for the 2023 launch date.
Both an independent review and a separate project-proposed mission replan informed the continuation/termination review. The independent review board is finalizing its report, which will be shared to the public along with NASA’s once completed.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Director Laurie Leshin shared that she is confident in the teams’ investigations and the new course of action.
“During this review, they [the Psyche team] have demonstrated significant progress already made toward the future launch date,” said Leshin. “I am confident in the plan moving forward and excited by the unique and important science this mission will return.”
The Psyche mission is significant because it will investigate a never-explored metal asteroid that appears to be the exposed nickel core of an early planet. Exploration of the asteroid will give scientists the opportunity to further investigate and understand this building block of planet formation and our solar system.
“I am excited about the science insights Psyche will provide during its lifetime and its promise to contribute to our understanding of our own planet’s core,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.


Assists in binding toxins including LPS, metals, and unwanted microbial by-products Recommend for use with Biocidin® to avoid detoxification reactions Assists in “mop-up” phase of biofilm removal May assist as nutritional support for mold and mycotoxin clearance Perfect as a medicine cabinet staple when food or water quality is compromised G.I. Detox – 60 Caps
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A new upgraded binding formula to support enhanced clearance of endotoxins, metals, and xenobiotic compounds. Removal of debris and toxins is essential when restoring microbial balance to the GI tract. Binding agents are especially integral to protocols using Biocidin®, as the breakdown of biofilms, mycotoxins, and pathogens can cause die-off or herxheimer-type detox reactions. Endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria such as LPS, heavy metals, and metabolites of yeast, mold, or bacteria can all contribute to an increased toxic burden and promote inflammation. Our new formulation excels in supporting clearance of these toxins.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.


The week in review 1Q22 GDP: -1.4% q/q SAAR, 3.6% y/y Case-Shiller Home Price Index: +2.4% m/m, +20.2% y/y Consumer Confidence: 107.3 (vs. 107.6 prior) PCE Deflator: +0.9% m/m, +6.6% y/y The week ahead April Jobs Report JOLTS Job Openings Trade Deficit Thought of the week
The U.S. economy contracted by an annualized 1.4% in 1Q, well short of consensus expectations for a 1.0% expansion. This follows a positive surprise in the fourth quarter, which showed a boomy 6.9% annualized growth rate. The first quarter’s dismal headline rate masks some positive underlying dynamics in the economy. The average growth rate between 4Q21 and 1Q22 was 2.7%, which is likely a better measure of the true momentum in the U.S. economy.
In the first quarter report, weakness was primarily due to the notoriously volatile inventory and trade sectors, as the chart highlights. Trade subtracted 3.2% from overall GDP growth, as exports fell sharply and imports soared. While the trade deficit detracted from real GDP in the first quarter, it does reflect a U.S. economy with significantly stronger domestic demand than the rest of the world, a testament to the strength of the U.S. consumer. This was apparent in real consumer spending, which grew by 2.5% ann. in the fourth quarter and 2.7% ann. in the first quarter, and was the largest positive contributor to 1Q GDP. Real private inventories grew by a solid $158.7Bn annual pace; however, this came below the record high in 4Q21, thus detracting slightly from GDP.
Overall, while we believe economic fundamentals are healthier than the GDP print suggests, it’s clear the economy is running out of room to grow. This may signal increased economic fragility and raises the risk that the Fed’s expected rate hiking cycle could tip the economy into a recession.


Performance Analysis of Scientific Computing Workloads on Trusted Execution Environments Abstract
Scientific computing sometimes involves computation on sensitive data. Depending on the data and the execution environment, the HPC (high-performance computing) user or data provider may require confidentiality and/or integrity guarantees. To study the applicability of hardware-based trusted execution environments (TEEs) to enable secure scientific computing, we deeply analyze the performance impact of AMD SEV and Intel SGX for diverse HPC benchmarks including traditional scientific computing, machine learning, graph analytics, and emerging scientific computing workloads. We observe three main findings: 1) SEV requires careful memory placement on large scale NUMA machines (1×−3.4× slowdown without and 1×−1.15× slowdown with NUMA aware placement), 2) virtualization−a prerequisite for SEV−results in performance degradation for workloads with irregular memory accesses and large working sets (1×−4× slowdown compared to native execution for graph applications) and 3) SGX is inappropriate for HPC given its limited secure memory size and inflexible programming model (1.2×−126× slowdown over unsecure execution). Finally, we discuss forthcoming new TEE designs and their potential impact on scientific computing.


Introduction
Diapause, a survival mechanism that represents an intermediate step between fertilization and embryo implantation, is reported to occur in >130 mammalian species. Delayed implantation extends gestation duration in 70% of eutherian and ~30% of marsupial species
1. Although the embryo transits and reaches the uterus, it does not implant. The length of the implantation delay depends on the season, food availability or the photoperiod. For example, the European roe deer embryo enters diapause at day 14 post fertilization, from August to December; the subsequent implantation and pregnancy take up to 9 months 2. In multi-litter rodents, energy partitioning favors currently lactating pups until weaning, while maintaining the other embryos in diapause 3. Moreover, in marsupials, lactation reversibly arrests the upcoming embryo that is ready to implant. The regulatory compounds responsible for progressing/stopping the embryo’s metabolic state vary 4. The embryo’s ability to stop/resume development is innate and depends on need. Regardless of whether the diapause mechanism is obligate or facultative, embryo-maternal dialogue is effective. When the maternal milieu is right, i.e., permissive, pregnancy will progress until term. The ability of the maternal endometrium to recognize and enable embryo development during the implantation window (IW), creating a suitable environment, is under the control of estrogen (E2)/progesterone (P4). Whether diapause can be deliberately delayed due to internal or external influences is not fully elucidated.
With the advent of ART/IVF, it became possible to separate the embryo’s fate from that of the mother/surrogate. Each party is examined individually until embryo transfer (ET) when embryo-maternal dialogue becomes direct and intimate. We aim to describe innate embryonic diapause mechanisms
in vivo, and autonomous cultured embryo development and survival as nutrients are supplied. In parallel, we analyze the endometrial milieu both pre-priming and in diapause, differentiating between endometrial receptivity and embryo development pre/post transfer. Finally, we look at whether coordination of embryo and endometrium is assessed during diapause. ART is still evolving, and the take-home baby rate is still only ~30%. Therefore, lessons learnt from this ancestral successful reproductive modality — diapause — could elucidate causes of failures and improve reproduction in human and non-diapause mammals 5. Biological rationale for mammalian diapause
Present in insects, crustaceans, and fish species, diapause is an integral part of evolution, since delayed development supports offspring survival. The crustacean
Artemia sinica thrives under hypersaline water conditions, but under hypothermic stress diapause occurs, with glycerol accumulation providing cryoprotection. When temperatures improve, the process of embryo development is resumed, with the stored glycerol serving as a glucose precursor and energy source 6. In summer, when ponds dry out, teleost fish survive thanks to their desiccation-resistant embryos, while all adults are eliminated. Post-diapause embryo hatching occurs in the next rainy season 7. As evolution advanced, internal rather than external aqueous fertilization appeared. The development of a post-fertilization embryo encased in a shell still amounts to development in an external environment. In reptiles, and to a lesser extent in birds, in-uterus and in-shell embryonic diapause can occur. In the latter case, the hard shell provides protection until hatching, independently of the internal maternal milieu. Depending on parental care, such embryonic diapause may be needed for survival. Reptile embryos may undergo diapause pre/post oviposition, ensuring their survival and hatching in the favorable season 8. Reflecting a biological imperative, phylogenetic diapause is present in >130 different mammalian species, both metatherian and eutherian, ranging from mice (ancestral) to recent deer and bears 9,10. Diapause is individual and depends on weather and food availability, critical for effective implantation. Moreover, delivery should coincide with spring, the most favorable season of the year, when offspring survival is highest.
Pre-implantation embryo developmental delay and maternal interactions have together allowed the perpetuation, to today, of certain species, ranging from marsupials to eutherian mammals. Early delicate dialogue is a must for implantation (receptivity) and, throughout the entire course of evolution, radical environmental and climate fluctuations have led to adaptation of diapause. Artic polar bears ovulate in spring, accreting fat (> 50% of body mass); implantation occurs during fall followed by hibernation through winter with parturition in December. The stored adipose tissue will be used efficiently through β-oxidation of fatty acids until the adult female and her cubs (~2) emerge from the den the following spring, returning to their favorable sea ice environment. By the end of this reproductive cycle, a total of 8-9 months of fasting is associated with ~40% body weight loss
11.
For some unknown reason, diapause is not observed in primate and humanoid species
10. And this is despite humans’ continuous adaptation to harsh climates and limited nutrition. In humans, an adverse environment impairs ovulation or prevents fertilization and may cause early subclinical loss 12. Similarly, tapered-head sperm or oligospermia reduce fertilization potential 13. Also, in humans, thanks to the use of contraceptive methods, births can be spaced at will, without diapause. ART has removed many obstacles to reproduction in mammals. Gamete and embryo collection coupled with cryopreservation has enabled species survival, with deliberate programming of pregnancy and parturition. One case report suggested the occurrence of diapause in a patient 7 years after tubal ligation. Following IVF, 3 embryos were transferred but bhCG was negative after 15 days. However, at 7w post ET, without menses, a low HCG level (329 IU/ml) was noted 14. Later ultrasound confirmed pregnancy and a healthy delivery followed. Here, however, tubal recanalization may possibly have occurred. Embryo-maternal adaptations to the environment: reproductive hormonal milieu and pre-implantation embryonal factors
Hormonal control of embryonic diapause in utero has been shown in mice, marsupials and mustelids. While cycle length is narrowly fixed, the length of diapause may vary depending on the environment, climate, nutrient availability, and herd migration. Entry into embryonic diapause depends on fuel sensing regulation and energy partitioning towards a specific physiological state. For example, prolactin (PRL) release controls the ratio and action of sex steroids, P4 and E2, preventing implantation during lactation in order to ensure nourishment of the future offspring. Diapause lasts from weeks up to one year in certain marsupials like the tammar
10.
Variations in diapause length are opportunistic, having a specific goal, namely blastocyst preservation until the optimal time arises. In marsupials, both E2/P4 levels drop, while PRL rises, due to the suckling effects of the small size embryo on maternal hair follicles, causing milk release. Thus, effective birth spacing is combined with adequate care for the embryo in the pouch. After the newborn is weaned, PRL levels drop to enable the next embryo to implant and migrate into the pouch
10. In humans, lactation, stress, and prolactinoma cause disorders ranging from anovulation to amenorrhea 15. In mice, despite PRL-induced E2 reduction, levels of P4 (from the corpus luteum) remain elevated, priming the secretory endometrium to support diapause embryos. Embryo re-activation coincides with increased E2, necessary to stimulate the action of P4 through increased expression of the P4 endometrial receptors, thereby optimizing the endometrial milieu 9. Administration of bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, stops the diapause phase in mice 16. In the seasonal reproduction of the mink, the long night increases melatonin secretion, which decreases E2/P4 and PRL levels leading to entry into diapause. Surprisingly, however, embryo re-activation also depends on PRL levels 10,17.
Pandas breed in the spring and cubs are born in the late summer/autumn. After mating/AI, diapause follows for several months, when P4 rises. Implantation and pregnancy start with a secondary P4 rise lasting 40-55 days. This rise occurs irrespective of outcome, i.e., pregnant, mated not pregnant, or not mated pseudo-pregnancy. Ceruloplasmin testing suggests potential conception and embryo presence in uterus at the secondary P4 rise. There are two prostaglandin F
2α spikes, one 23-25 days before birth and second at 24 hours before delivery. Thus, pregnancy length is 30-42 days 18. Additionally, due to its small size the embryo can be detected by ultrasonography only ~15 days prior to parturition. The external signs of pregnancy, i.e., breast and vulva changes, and urinary peak of P4 are detected only after 100 days of gestation.
Several studies have identified uterine secretions and glandular activity that, through embryo-maternal dialogue, create different nutritional environments supporting diapause embryo welfare
10,19,20-23. Preimplantation factor (PIF) is an ancestral peptide secreted by viable embryos that is preserved from rodent, bovine, and other mammals up to humans 24-26. PIF exerts autotrophic and protective effects on the preimplantation embryo 27. It primes the secretory endometrium (better than P4), and both during and after implantation it promotes endometrial receptivity 28-30. Circulating PIF levels in early gestation correlate with favorable bovine pregnancy outcome 26. Expressed by trophoblasts, PIF regulates controlled trophoblast invasion and increases HLA-G and similar pro-tolerance molecules, as well as P4 and its receptors 31-34. PIF is secreted by viable embryos and added in culture prevents cultured murine embryo demise caused by serum of patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss or oxidative stress, while promoting blastocyst development 25,27. PIF administration from conception leads to a 3-fold reduction of spontaneous and LPS-induced murine fetal demise and a four-fold reduction of LPS-induced prematurity 35,36. Thus, a role for PIF during preimplantation and beyond is present both in species with and without diapause. Amino acid profiles vary during embryonic diapause 10. Glutamine uptake and metabolism along with beta-oxidation of fatty acids are upregulated. 19. Reduced dietary branched chain amino acid (BCAA) uptake in embryos may minimally contribute to the TCA cycle which downregulates mTORC2 activity. In turn, BCAA ,may upregulate lipolysis genes while downregulating protein synthesis 19. Furthermore, glycogenolysis from endometrial glycogen reserves may supply glucose precursors to support diapause embryo welfare while lactation is taking place in a season with limited food resources 21 (Figure 1).
Through remarkable cellular plasticity, both embryo and endometrium adjust in such a way as to mutually provide key elements for reproductive success. Having a dual supportive role, the endometrium also supplies nutrients for re-activated embryos. Major differences emerge when comparing diapause and activated endometrium. Beyond changes in E2/P4 levels, cytokines are also modulated. Post activation, an epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway increases HB-EGF receptor expression and also binds the ERBB4 receptor on blastocysts, critical for both human and mouse implantation
37. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) targets the platelet-activating factor receptor (PTAFR) on embryos, while increased endometrial vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression promotes trophoblast vascularization. Notably, at peri-implantation, a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoform switch may take place 38. Thus, the increased LDHB at diapause promotes formation of pyruvate, the main energy substrate. Post-diapause, LDHA, which favors lactate formation, is dominant and facilitates trophoblast invasion by upregulating angiogenic VEGF isoforms 38. The embryo-induced high lactate microenvironment may recruit macrophages that produce VEGF and, by immunomodulation, prevent T-cell-induced rejection by the mother 38. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an E2-dependent factor, belonging to the IL6 family, that binds blastocysts through the LIF-gp130 receptor 19. LIF-induced inflammation widens intercellular spaces, enabling effective embryo-maternal contact. A study of mink endometrium profiles comparing diapause vs. post re-activation identified 123 differentially expressed genes involving cell proliferation, immune response and factors affecting remodeling 23. The polyamine pathway effect on the uterus and embryos is marked, whereas during diapause it is reduced 9. Also, FoxO1 transcription factor involved in the insulin signaling pathway is down-regulated in diapause partly through a limited to null BCAA contribution, which lowers the AMPK-mTOR-FoxO1 pathway activity 20, 39. Post diapause, re-activation occurs rapidly at the local level without obvious changes in systemic hormone levels, which occur later. Thus, embryo re-activation is due to local factors involving both the embryo and the endometrium that becomes receptive. Overall, many synergized ligands/pathways are needed to support endometrium flexibility and reversibility to sustain the embryo until delivery.
Despite the diversity of mammals, the same hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) hormones are in play, but their secretion and action occur with different timing. Considering that >130 mammalian species and eight different orders undergo diapause, different patterns of the same hormones are to be expected. Through an orchestrated embryo-maternal process, re-activation (re-initiation of implantation) occurs at ~16h in all species studied, supporting embryo rapid adaptability
40. ART has made it possible to demonstrate innate survival mechanisms of gametes and embryo development during in vitro culture followed by opportune time to implant post-ET leading to successful pregnancy outcome. However, ART is not always successful and a pregnancy that follows ET is considered high risk 41,42; therefore, this still evolving art might benefit from improved understanding of how diapause enables prompt intimate embryo-maternal synergetic communication and from identification of the specific factors involved 43. Viable embryo-derived signaling could be part of the solution since without PIF there is no pregnancy 26. Embryo semi-autonomy as achieved during diapause is long lasting in culture
Post-implantation embryo survival can be prolonged in diapause mammals compared with humans. By contrast, gametes have a limited life span unless fertilization occurs within 12-24 hours
44. Egg maturation in vitro makes it possible to expand their life span and fertilize them in culture 45. However, the zygote, through innate properties, contains the basic building blocks of life to form a whole organism. Furthermore, the embryo’s ability to implant beyond the endometrium at different sites (fallopian tube, ovary, and abdominal cavity) proves its resilience and adaptability to diverse and even adverse environments.
To better understand diapause, ART documents embryo autonomy, and the length of embryo survival without any maternal influence. IVF resembles oviparity, in the sense that, after eggs are fertilized in culture, the embryos develop independently of their biological origin and totally depend on the surrounding environment i.e., embryo culture system. Additionally, before we moved beyond the
in vivo ART era , separating and analyzing embryo-maternal crosstalk was difficult. Current culture methods and more defined media prototypes now enable investigators to closely observe embryo morphokinetic development through precision technology 46. Cryopreservation proved that metabolic activity of both sperm and eggs can be halted and preserved indefinitely. Analogously, embryo cryopreservation closely mimics diapause since an embryo may survive long term without apparent damage. During diapause, a blastocyst stage embryo in the endometrium can stay dormant for up to a year, remaining viable until a favorable maternal environment is present. Therefore, prolonged dormancy can be successfully reversed to achieve pregnancy. Cryopreservation causes total developmental arrest and no metabolic activity, while diapause embryos are alive, albeit with reduction of their metabolic activity and profile 19. Whether, instead of cryopreservation, a gradual embryo preservation method would benefit ART is unknown. Therefore, examining the longevity of cultured embryos under adjusted metabolic activity may be informative and should be pursued. Human embryos are cultured until day six reaching an advanced blastocyst stage at which it is possible to assess morphology, genetic quality, and specific viability markers. However, human embryos can develop in culture for up to 14 days 47. In murine IVF, both short- and long-term embryo culture increased cardiovascular or metabolic disorders, suggesting that further improvements in culture methods are needed in order to reduce these risks since, overall, pregnancy after ART is considered high risk 48-50. In rodent embryos under adequate nutrient supply and culture conditions in roller bottles, development was supported up to the stage when a heartbeat was already present 51. This means that embryo implantation in the uterus is obligatory only for a short period, since prematurely born 22w babies can survive under intensive support 52. Overall, the pre-implantation embryo’s ability to develop, stop and start again is innate and independent of maternal influences. Moreover, blastocysts reaching the endometrium retain semi-autonomy despite the minimally supportive maternal environment. Therefore, without maternal prior information embryos must be ready within ~16hrs to re-activate, showing metabolic activity, shedding the zona pellucida, and resuming development. Such findings reflect highly conserved embryo off/on innate metabolic mechanisms. In mice, facultative embryonic diapause may occur at day 3.5 of development, but the timing and length may also be flexible.
Mechanistically, embryonic diapause is regulated by an Lkb1 gene splice variant. The long form of this kinase alone can downregulate AMPK and consequently mTOR pathways causing embryonic diapause. This is coupled with increased glycolysis, lipolysis, and glutamine uptake by the embryo
19. Moreover, reduced cell proliferation is caused by downregulation of mTORC2-mediated allosteric activation of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). The rate-limiting enzyme G6PD decrease keeps the ICM cells in a dormant state. Indeed, regulation of mTOR signaling on the PPP through steroid receptors was also reported in cancer cells 53. Therefore, embryos exit diapause with resumption of the mTORC2 pathway, and upregulation of PPP to promote cell proliferation. Additionally, a potential link between PPP and IFNτ expression and initiation of maternal recognition is observed in bovine species. Moreover, dimorphic metabolic differences on the sex chromosomes have been observed 54,55. This supports innate embryo flexibility in rapidly responding to drastic changes present in the surrounding environment. As diapause requires a gradual entry into a different metabolic state, it adds complexity to the bidirectional embryo-endometrium communication (Figure 1). Thus, we postulate that the embryo in that respect is opportunistic, acting as a parasite aiming to further its own development regardless of how challenging its surrounding environment is. A better understanding of embryo flexibility before/during after diapause could improve ART and reproduction in general. Following conception, embryo transfer or diapause, the blastocyst reaches the endometrium
Irrespective of reproduction modality, sperm and egg must interact to form the zygote followed by the morula up to the blastocyst stage. Post conception, as embryos reach the uterus, the maternal environment starts to adapt, primed by E2/P4 and by specific signaling such as PIF reported in mouse, bovine, and human embryos
24. Thus, both with spontaneous conception and fertility therapy, the blastocyst, to implant, must reach the already primed uterine cavity. Moreover, in modern ART, zygote intrafallopian transfer has been replaced with less invasive techniques such as blastocyst transfer 56. Long-term culture of 5-6 days allows it to be determined, through a process of self-selectivity, which embryos are to develop. Once the blastocyst stage is reached, the post-ET pregnancy rate is ~50%; however, it is followed by a take-home-baby rate of only ~30%. Overall, in scenarios such as natural conception, ET, and diapause, similar success rates are present. Biologically this is a great advantage, since if most defective embryos were to implant, species would not survive the consequent repeated losses of progeny despite intensive maternal efforts. Post-implantation, an additional 15-20% of early pregnancy loss occurs; while this is of limited importance in poly-ovulatory species, it is critical in the mono-ovulatory human species.
Maternal recognition of pregnancy following spontaneous conception and diapause may occur post fertilization, but it will be short lived if embryos do not develop. By contrast, embryo-driven signaling, which promotes endometrial receptivity, is not operative until post-IVF ET. Endometrial priming through E2/P4 is required to create a favorable secretory-type decidua lining, thereby enabling implantation of a transferred/donor embryo
57.
In humans, maternal recognition of pregnancy through embryo-specific signaling occurs within 3-4 days after ET when embryo-maternal contact is direct and intimate. This occurs irrespective of the circumstances: natural conception or fertility management. The limitation is that embryos need to reach the endometrium during the narrow IW, i.e., the period of synchrony between embryo and endometrium. Delayed or premature ovulation may affect embryo quality; this and/or altered endometrial health can cause asynchrony, where even 2-3 days deviation in the IW may cause implantation failure. Thus, both an embryo of quality and a receptive and healthy endometrium are required for reproductive success. In bovine species, the delay between conception and implantation is five time longer than in humans, even though they show a similar gestation length, of 270-280 days
58. Consequently, by the time of implantation, bovine blastocyst development will be advanced. Irrespective of the species-specific delay in blastocyst formation and effective implantation, diapause is an independent phenomenon 59. Although endometrial priming will start post-fertilization as in vivo, in diapause it will not be amplified or completed since initially only embryo apposition will take place. In ART, after apposition, embryo hatching, adhesion and extravillous trophoblast invasion will promptly follow, since failure of any step will cause embryo demise. In diapause, the next developmental steps beyond apposition will only take place after re-activation. However, all reproductive modalities require intense and progressive maternal adaptation to pregnancy. For the mother, investing significant resources if pregnancy is likely to fail would be a great disadvantage. Therefore, following successful implantation, and considering pregnancies after the first trimester, the take-home-baby rate, at least in humans, is close to 100%, unless maternal or fetal disease occurs.
Embryo quality assessment upon reaching the uterine cavity is variable. For example, following spontaneous conception or ET in species without diapause, pregnancy resolution is rapid and faulty embryos either do not implant or are quickly eliminated peri/post implantation, this being followed by menses in humans or estrus in mammals. In diapause, the blastocyst is next to the endometrium but does not implant; this allows intimate quality assessment, while requiring minimal maternal adaptation. This embryo-maternal communication is amplified both by secretory products and by direct contact and can last for several months, enabling effective decision processes when re-activation is opportune.
Compared to the narrow IW in humans, during diapause embryo quality is continually scrutinized; this is followed by re-activation as pregnancy advances. The timing is highly variable depending on external influences, climate, season of the year and availability of nutrients. Notably, diapause is rare in tropical climates where the seasons are stable. However, at higher altitudes, where low temperatures, snow and storms can develop, a similar adaptation strategy may be seen
59. In different species maternal adaptation is thought to be highly variable, aided by continuous embryo-maternal communication enabling rapid re-activation followed by uninterrupted development until term. It is not known whether environmental changes following embryo re-activation further extend semi-dormancy, necessitating further re-activation.
A recent study offered significant insight into diapause as a dynamic process. Sheep IVF embryos transferred to the mouse uterus entered a diapause state
59. Subsequently embryos were recovered and transferred to the sheep uterus, where blastocysts implanted and led to healthy pregnancy outcomes and progeny. Thus, cross-species transfer is successful, genetics does not play a role, blastocysts can sojourn without any adversity in surrogate/xeno endometrium, and when transferred to the sheep good pregnancy outcomes ensued.
What remains unclear is whether diapause for a given species is innate or represents adaptation to need. Also, it is not known whether entry or non-entry into diapause is a fixed-timed process that, once established, does not change, or whether it is a dynamic and species-specific process. A further question is whether diapause can be lengthened or shortened dependent on maternal conditions and/or surrounding events. In the future, it would be interesting to study whether more species enter a diapause state as the climate and environment continues to change. Overall, diapause is effective, enabling dynamic multistep embryo-maternal cooperation that leads to favorable pregnancy outcomes. Better knowledge on how to enhance the maternal milieu to enable effective embryo re-activation in the presence of favorable embryo development could improve both ART and reproduction.
60
With regard to the issue of interaction between fertilization and the prospective mother, progress has been made through the use of a capsule for fertilization. This method entails intimate and close contact between sperm and oocytes followed by intravaginal incubation.
61 Based on current data, this method of IVF achieves success rates similar to those of traditional IVF. Whether such intrabody-based incubation also provides continuous embryo-maternal communication is not clear since the method is not superior to traditional IVF in terms of success rates. However, due to its reduced cost, simplicity and current patient acceptance, this reproduction mode will likely become widely used. What it still lacks is the intimate embryo-maternal contact/communication that is observed in diapause. Overcoming this aspect may further increase the ART success rate. Conclusions
Nature through the course of evolution had to devise complex and highly effective reproductive mechanisms for species ranging from invertebrates to mammals, enabling separation between mating, embryo development, maternal acceptance, and pregnancy. Diapause entails pregnancy and delivery at an opportune time and in favorable surroundings. The fact that this multistep mechanism still persists in both marsupials and >130 different mammalian species proves how critical it is this for the survival of given species. The extinction of various species may have been caused by failure to adapt to this sophisticated mechanism. In diapause, embryo autonomy with regard to quality-based self-selectivity and ability to survive during semi-dormancy must be present. Intimate effective and precise embryo-endometrium contact, and communication enable embryo re-activation from quasi-starvation for a year to full activity, which is remarkable.
The advent of ART has enabled us to replicate diapause only partially. Sperm and eggs can be cryopreserved almost indefinitely, fertilization occurs
in vitro, at any time, and embryo self-selectivity has been shown to occur, since most low-quality embryos do not reach the blastocyst stage. Cryopreserved embryos are stored long term and, post thawing, they are transferred within hours to the uterus. Thereby implantation timing can be precise and if pregnancy ensues its eventual outcome can be decided in advance. Obviously in humans, the timing of IVF and ET is based on individual choice and not on the need to preserve or improve reproduction as in mammals. Despite ART, IVF/ET still show major limitations, for which diapause may offer some solutions. Currently, embryos with apparent normal morphology often do not implant following ET. This may reflect an innate embryo and/or maternal defect. Thus, improved culture milieu and/or added trophic factors may improve outcomes. Further, the question of whether the use of embryo semi-dormancy instead of cryopreservation may be preferable has not been tested. Gradual re-activation to prevent a drastic shift from arrested metabolic activity may be favorable. Such a gradual approach would enable innate trophic mechanisms to be awakened and improve embryo signaling to the mother as observed in diapause. The second aspect, related to the endometrium in species with diapause, is that the delay between apposition and embryo re-activation is maternally driven. Currently post-ET endometrial adaption may be less than optimal since it consists of a rapid yes/no decision. In diapause, on the other hand, there is prolonged and sustained embryo-maternal interaction. Better preparation of the endometrium through embryo-specific signaling systems like PIF may amplify the efficiency of the IW, which may be deficient at present. In a certain sense diapause is a gentle and progressive interaction between two different (semi-allogenic) entities — the embryo and the mother — acting for mutual benefit and success. Overall, lessons learnt from this effective ancient mode of reproduction could improve ART and overall reproduction success in both human and other non-diapause mammals. Declaration of Interest:
Eytan R. Barnea, MD FACOG discovered and developed the PIF-based technology completed phase I fast-track FDA approved first in human clinical trial. I (E.R.B) am the immediate past CSO of BioIncept, LLC and together with my wife, Dr. Jacqueline Barnea, LLD (immediate past CEO) we own in trust minority shares.


Those individuals who have faced an accident understand the physical and mental consequences associated with it. Whether it is a motorcycle collision or truck collision, it leads to a threat to human life and property. The steps for the recovery process and the medical expenses associated with it are exhausting and complicated. You may be emotionally overwhelmed with the insurance claim, accident trauma, and medical bills. Here the significance of a personal injury lawyer becomes crucial. These individuals have experience in dealing with personal injury cases and insurance claims. It will ensure you that your case is put most favorably in front of the jury.
Take A Look At The Reasons Justifying The Significance Of Personal Injury Lawyers
As mentioned earlier, the lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of the judicial processes and terms. They have worked in this field for years and thereby have rich experience. The lawyers remain dedicated to injury law that differs from country to country. Hence, it is significant that you get in touch with a law firm specializing in these regulations. The lawyer from these firms will solely focus on personal injury litigations, and their expertise will be beneficial for your case. You may take a quick look at the following benefits:
They prioritize your safety: When you have faced a catastrophe, there are chances that your finances and physical aspect are the best people to represent your case
They are keeping your interest in mind. When you are affected by someone else’s negligence, the lawyer makes sure that the culprit has to pay for the event. Also, setting the claim is not easy. It takes time and effort. These individuals work to ensure that your recovery process is smooth and you get compensated. When you hire these individuals, it gives you access to the vast network of treatment centers along with health practitioners.
An insurance claim is confusing and complex: Claiming insurance is not as easy as it looks. Moreover, most individuals do not have a know-how of the different steps included in the claim process. When you hire personal injury lawyers, they will ensure that you get high-level guidance and go about the insurance claim procedure. The insurance companies are profit-based establishments, who want to provide you with a minimum cash as possible. Hence it becomes significant to get the help of an experienced person who will advocate your case and guarantee insurance coverage. They are familiar with the tribunal and court systems: Judicial proceedings are beyond the know-how of the ordinary man. The courtroom procedure is not only confusing but also tiresome. The hiring of an experienced lawyer will assist you in managing the litigation process and get your claim settled.
The bottom line of these points is that an experienced lawyer who knows how to deal with similar cases will manage your litigation and thereby get desirable results. These lawyers who charge a fee for their service will not only help you attain a favorable judgment but will settle the matter in your favor. Hence, getting their help is crucial for your case.


27 states across the federation have witnessed the worst flooding cases so far. These states include Anambra, Lagos, Kogi, Benue, etc ,
Floods in Nigeria this year has led to loss of lives whilst damaging homes, properties and farmlands .
These floods signify that Nigeria is undergoing one of its crippling climate change effects caused by the usual rainfall, improper disposal of refuse; clogging gutters and water channels.
However, this year’s flood case was escalated by Nigeria’s failure to build a dam to contain waterflow released by the northern part of Cameroon. Cameroon, which runs along Nigeria’s eastern border, releases water annually from her Lagdo dam (1982) and then, the water should be absorbed by another dam in Nigeria.
However, for over 40 years, the Nigerian government has failed again to prioritize the security of its citizen’s lives and property by circumventing its agreement in 1980s to build the Dasin Hausa dam in Adamawa state to manage the waterflow.
This is successive governments’ leadership failure! We need a new government with concerns for security of lives! Do we have anybody with this mission?


Aluminum Wiring – A Blast from the Past
Traditionally, homes built between the 1960’s and early 1970’s were wired with aluminum wiring. Then, around the mid-1970’s, aluminum wiring was labelled a fire hazard and was replaced with copper wiring. Today, only copper wiring is used in building construction.
The Dangers of Aluminum Wiring
Serious fire hazards can occur when aluminum wiring is spliced, or connects with an outlet, circuit breaker, switch, or other components of an electrical system. In addition aluminum wiring shrinks and expands, and these constant changes to the aluminum wiring can easily result in overheating, causing sparks which ultimately can lead to fires.
What can we do?
Aluminum wiring can be replaced or repaired to effectively and permanently reduce the possibility of fire and injury due to failing (overheating) wire connections and splices. It is essential that you hire a qualified electrician to perform this remediation.


Abstract
Bilinguals appear to have shared syntactic representations for similar constructions between languages but retain distinct representations for noncognate translation-equivalents (Schoonbaert, Hartsuiker, & Pickering, 2007). We inquire whether bilinguals have more integrated representations of cognate translation-equivalents. To investigate this, we report two structural priming experiments in which participants heard dative sentences in Mandarin or Cantonese and described pictures using Mandarin (Experiment 1) or Cantonese (Experiment 2). We found that cognate verbs between the prime and the target led to a smaller boost than same verbs. This difference in priming could not be attributed to more phonological overlap between same verbs (i.e., identical) than between cognate verbs (i.e., similar but not identical). These results suggest that cognate verbs have separate rather than shared lemma representations across languages, even though their associated syntactic information appears to be collectively represented. Furthermore, we found an advantage for within-language priming over between-language priming. We interpreted this advantage as the result of a language node passing activation to all the lemmas linked to it. Implications for bilingual lexical and syntactic representation and processing are discussed.